Word
altruistic
Phoneticsal·tru·is·tic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɔɫtɹuˈɪstɪk/
UK/ˌɔːltɹuːˈɪstɪk/
Definition
adj. describing someone who does things for others without expecting anything in return. You use this to describe people who help others because they care, not because they want to get a reward.
adj. describing an action or quality that benefits others without any expectation of personal gain or reward. Often used to describe selfless behavior in social or biological contexts.
Examples
“She is very altruistic and always helps her neighbors.”
“The altruistic nature of the volunteers allowed the charity to continue its work without relying on government funding.”
“Evolutionary biologists often study altruistic behaviors to understand how cooperation can persist in a world where individuals must compete for limited resources.”
Examples
simple
“She is very altruistic and always helps her neighbors.”
contextual
“The altruistic nature of the volunteers allowed the charity to continue its work without relying on government funding.”
complex
“Evolutionary biologists often study altruistic behaviors to understand how cooperation can persist in a world where individuals must compete for limited resources.”
Real-World Examples
“For instance, while some people tend to be more altruistic, others are less prone to helping their friends, acquaintances or even complete strangers, particularly when it comes at a personal cost.” “Such conclusions align with new research on elevation – the uplifting emotion we feel when we see extraordinarily virtuous or altruistic acts, such as someone risking their own life to save another's.” “Ziz also felt that naturally altruistic people were easily victimized by others because of their goodness.” “A skill is something that you slowly, incrementally work on improving."
People's altruistic tendencies are likely also greatly influenced by their experiences and culture.” Etymology
From altruist + -ic. See altruism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/altruistic